Love The Look Of Charred Wood Siding? You May Be Seeing More Soon

As the largest manufacturer of shou sugi ban in the world, Japan-based Nakamoto Forestry brings their sustainable wood construction product stateside via their Portland warehouse and shop. “The word yakisugi, or shou sugi ban, means ‘burned cedar/cypress siding’ in Japanese,” explains William Beleck, president of Nakamoto Forestry North America.

The preservative process—which consists of intensely burning wood for a dark, charred effect—has become more common in recent years, in part because it is a natural way to achieve a low-maintenance, weather-resistant siding. Plus, the aesthetic offers infinite design possibilities.

PHOTO BY RYAN BENT